PSSI to get cash aid from FIFA

PSSI to get cash aid from FIFA

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia's soccer governing body PSSI will be granted
financial aid worth US$400,000 as part of a FIFA campaign to help
develop soccer worldwide.

Hamka Khadir, an official of PSSI, said that the funds, part
of the world's soccer governing body FIFA Goal Project, would be
allocated to build a national training center in Bekasi, on the
eastern outskirts of Jakarta.

Hamka told a media conference here on Tuesday that the amount
would only be able to cover half the total cost of the
construction, which will occupy a two-hectare site.

"Therefore, PSSI will cover the remainder by trying to attract
other sponsors," Hamka said, as reported by Antara.

The planned training center, according to Hamka, would include
two soccer fields, a players' dormitory, classrooms and other
facilities.

He added that FIFA's aid package would also entail sending
representatives to Indonesia for soccer education and training of
junior players, coaches and administrators.

The construction is expected to start on April 19, to coincide
with PSSI's 74th anniversary.

While the disbursement will be realized within the next one to
two months, FIFA, according to Hamka, will not pass the funds
directly to PSSI but to the project contractor.

"PSSI's role will be restricted to reporting project progress
to FIFA," he said, adding that PSSI had received proposals from
three contractors.

FIFA Goal Project officer for the Asia region John Paul
Windsor said that Indonesia was entitled to receiving the grant
on the grounds that PSSI had been considered successful in
organizing the LG Cup, Tiger Cup and Asia Futsal Championships
last year.

"FIFA's representative in Asia is gathering data and
information on Indonesian soccer to be forwarded later to FIFA
headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland," he said, adding that FIFA
had granted aid to 13 countries so far.